Thursday, August 14, 2014

Guidelines and Requirements for 2014-15 School Year


Macintosh HD:Users:grahamjenner:Desktop:science clip art:chemexp.jpg                       8th Grade Physical Science
Classroom Procedures and Requirements

8th Grade Physical Science is the study of the properties of matter and energy and how matter and energy interact.  We will also study the physical and chemical properties of the universe.

Semester 1– The Nature of Science and Chemistry
Semester 2– Astronomy, Physics, and Mousetrap Cars


Classroom Rules

1.     Be on time to class and bring materials and homework.
2.     Follow lab safety rules.  No eating in the lab.
3.     Show respect for others and their property.  Do not touch lab materials or teacher property.
4.     No backpacks on the lab tables or lab aisles.
5.     No electronic devices on in the class unless noted for a lab.

Required Materials

1.     Sharpened pencils (please have more than one)
2.     Dedicated science notebook (either a spiral or a composition book but I prefer a composition book).  Bring this to class everyday.
3.     Separate Section of Binder for science notes, handouts, corrected homework and labs.  This must be with you in class everyday.  You should have a folder or pocket divider for science too.
4.     Red pen.
5.     Notebook paper
6.     Organizer or Assignment Notebook
7.     Colored Pencils

Grades

10% Homework

50% Tests and Quizzes

40% Labs, Projects, and In-Class Work

Please note that your grade in science is weighted.  Grades on tests count for more than grades on homework. 



Letter grades will be assigned on a standard scale  
For example:  A- = 90%-92%,  A= 93%-99%,  A+ = 100%+
                           B- = 80%-82%,  B= 83%-87%,  B+ = 88%-89%

***Very Important:  I do NOT round grades.  An 89.99% is a B+.  Please make sure that you are consistently doing the work to earn the grade that you would like at the end of the semester.  Check AERIES frequently.  No extra credit.  Your grade is based on your knowledge and application of 8th grade science standards. 

Homework - Notes

Homework will be assigned a few times a week.  Most homework will require you to take notes and watch videos online.  You will have many days to complete assigned notes.  Please use the note format I show you in class.  You may always complete online homework in the school library.   

DO NOT cut and paste notes into your notebook.  You may print pictures or diagrams and glue them into your notes.

Labs

Labs and experiments will make up the majority of work in 8th grade science.  Some labs will be student designed and others will be teacher directed.  I expect safe and controlled behavior in the lab at all times.  I will assign lab groups.  In labs you should:
-       Be focused on the problem and complete work
-       Be respectful of group members
-       Follow lab safety rules always
-       READ and follow directions
Labs are usually not assigned as homework.  You will need to complete labs in the time allotted.  If you are absent you will be held accountable for lab material.  Students must complete a special extension activity for every missed lab. 

Absences

Students should avoid absences when possible.  When you are absent I am less concerned about you making up homework and more concerned with the class time you have missed.  You may need to make up labs, lecture notes, warm-ups, and discussion notes.  You are responsible for following through with this.  I will not be checking up to see if you have completed something or are up-to-date with notes.  I am not able to provide early work.  If you are going on vacation you will need to plan time when you get back to complete work unless you are on an independent study plan. 






High School Recommendations

At the end of 8th grade, teachers recommend students for placement in high school classes.  Students have the option of taking Honors Biology in 9th grade.  Honors Biology is a challenging class that uses a college-level textbook.  Students are expected to be able to read and write at a college level.  To be recommended for Honors Biology, a student must earn a grade of  93% or higher in 8th Grade Science and 90% or higher in 8th Grade Language Arts (there is no special consideration for Honors or GATE coursework). I will not write special letters of recommendation or sign waivers for students who do not meet these criteria.

Technology Policy

Photos and recordings are not allowed at school.  I will allow you to take pictures of certain labs but please ask before taking pictures.  There are times when you will be able to use electronic devices for calculations and as timers.  If you want to use the Internet in class to look up a topic we are discussing, please ask first. No texting, emails, phone calls, etc…

Final Important Notes about Grades

Although I am always here to help you and I will offer ample opportunity for you to demonstrate knowledge in science, YOU are ultimately responsible for your learning and your grade.  If you want to be a part of groups like Honor Society, you need to do superior work to EARN your acceptance into honors groups and classes.  It is not my responsibility to round grades and gift you with scores that you didn’t earn.  Set your goals now and do the work necessary to achieve those goals.

There is no extra credit available.  Your grade is based on your knowledge of 8th Grade Science Standards only.

Please sign that you are read and discussed the requirements for 8th grade science.  Return this portion to class tomorrow.

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Student Name (please print)                                       Parent Signature